XXX Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal arises out of order in Crl.M.P.No.3040 of 2022 dtd. 3/10/2022 on the file of the First Additional Sessions Judge, Thrissur. The appellant is the sole accused in the above case. The respondent is the State of Kerala represented by the learned Public Prosecutor.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the appellant as well as the learned Public Prosecutor. Though notice served upon the defacto complainant as mandated under Sec. 15A(3) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, she did not turn up.

(3.) In this matter, the prosecution alleges commission of offences punishable under Ss. 363 and 354A(1)(i) of Indian Penal Code and Sec. 8 r/w 7 and 10 r/w 9(1) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and Sec. 3(1)(w)(i), 3(2)(va) of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2015 (hereinafter referred as 'SC/ST Act' for short).